This is the first commandment given to the Jewish nation. G-d gives us responsibility for establishing the new months. At the time of the Chanuka story, the Greeks understood the power of this commandment. They chose the establishment of the new month as one of the three mitzvos they tried to abolish, (the other two being: keeping of Shabbos and circumcision.)

On Parshas HaChodesh, the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh Nissan, we read about the establishment of Nissan as the first month, and about the honor that must be shown to the King when he enters or leaves the Sanctuary.

“For you.” G-d created darkness, for us to see the light. He created slavery and freedom. He gave us His commandments for our benefit. May this be a Nissan of light, of freedom and of mitzvos. The Nissan of the Final Redemption, B’EH…

When the Temple stood, the only way to purify oneself from contact with the dead was with the ashes of a red heiffer. The reading of this parsha was a reminder to purify oneself in order to be able to bring the Pesach offering at its right time. Although we no longer have the Temple, or the ability to purify ourselves as prescribed by the Torah, by reading this parsha, it is as if we had purified ourselves.

Thus begins our “cleaning” for Pesach… Shabbat Shalom!

The Torah commands us to hate Amalek and his descendants and to never forget what that nation did to the Jews until their memory is erased. We read this on the Shabbos before Purim. This connects the commandment to wipe out Amalek to the wiping out of Haman, Amalek’s descendant, in the Purim story.

What is the power of Amalek? Esav had spent his whole life trying to kill Ya’akov, but to no avail. So, he bequeathed the task to his grandson Amalek. Amalek asked his grandfather how he would be able to accomplish what his grandfather had not been able to do. Esav’s answer was, wait until Ya’akov’s descendants sin, then pounce on them.

Israel’s protection against sin is rooted in Torah study. Amalek wants us to be so busy with worldly matters that we neglect our Torah study. When we have serenity of the soul, we recognize that sin is empty. Shabbos is the day of rest for the soul. It is the day that is best suited for fighting and blotting out the memory of Amalek. Shabbos Zachor – remember who you are, and who you are meant to be. Use Shabbos and Torah study to get there. Good Shabbos!

1. Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent.
2. Slice mushrooms and add to the onion, cook on a low flame, stirring occasionally until carmelized, about 10 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot over prepared hummous.
5. Garnish with a sprig of chopped dill.

1. Wash salmon fillet and arrange on a baking sheet.
2. Pour lemon juice over fish.
3. Spread mustard over fish.
4. Pour terriyaki sauce and sesame seeds over the fish.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C for 20 – 30 minutes until golden.
6. Sprinkle sliced scallion over fish before serving.

All of a person’s income for the year is decided in heaven between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Yet, the Gemorrah (Beitzah 15b) specifies that this does not include the expenses related to Shabbos. In preparing for Shabbos, G-d so to speak “covers” our expenses to the level that we are accustomed. If we spend less, He will give us less, and if we spend more, He will give us more.

That is because He wants us to be His guest on Shabbos. “Borrow on My account, and I will pay,” is His message to us. So, this Shabbos, don’t forget- put out the best that you can, because G-d will be picking up the bill…

If you had really managed to do everything that you set out to do this week how would you feel? How would you behave? Imagine the overwhelming happiness of accomplishment and peace of mind you would feel. No room for any worries or negative thoughts. Well, that is what God wants for us each and every week.

So when you light candles or make kiddush this week, really have in mind to enjoy the gift of Shabbos. Experience the joy of completion. Really keep Shabbos.